West Glenville landmark a lesson in history

Last summer a woman from Russia stopped at the Green's Corner Schoolhouse in Glenville, an unusual, but welcome surprise for school caretaker Adrienne Karis. The historic state landmark gets its fair share of local visitors, but, Karis said, this woman made a special effort to see the one-room schoolhouse because she said it reminded her of home.

She said in Russia there are so many of these schoolhouses still around. Green's Corner is a gem because it has been restored, giving a feel of what these one-room schools were like. We are fortunate to be able to preserve this building that is right here in Glenville, said Karis.

This West Glenville landmark, which was originally built in 1825 and remained in use until 1946, is located just on the outside of town at the intersection of Green Corner and Potter roads.

Glenville Mayor Frank Quinn said the schoolhouse is just one example of the rich history in the area.

"We really have some hidden treasures and the schoolhouse is one to be checked out," said Quinn.

The town has Karis, 85, to thank for the restoration of the building. Local residents who grew up with the school provided the town with details of what the building looked like inside, down to the smallest details. Karis said it took her six years to get the restoration completed, including having the town make it an official part of its history.

"When I came upon this building, I immediately thought this is something that should be seen and cherished. Many of the schoolhouses are now shops, barns, used as storage I wanted this to be a place for our children to see local history," said Karis.

Karis said the restoration of the building even included recreating a lesson on the chalkboard. The original desks were moved however, and vintage replicas were brought in, as well as textbooks.